Online Class: Proofreading and Copyediting 101

Become a Skilled Proofreader or Copyeditor If you're looking for a new career path or if you're a writer who wants to improve your writing skills, learning how to proofread and copyedit with our easy to follow, in-depth course, may be just what you need. Learning these specialized skills will help improve your overall writing ability and may provide a career path that is both lucrative and in high demand.

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  • 14
    Lessons
  • 15
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 11
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.1
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Become a Skilled Proofreader or Copyeditor
 
If you're looking for a new career path or if you're a writer who wants to improve your writing skills, learning how to proofread and copyedit with our easy to follow, in-depth course, may be just what you need.  Learning these specialized skills will help improve your overall writing ability and may provide a career path that is both lucrative and in high demand.  In today's world, proofreaders and copyeditors are sought after not only in the corporate environment and Internet-related ventures, but also by start-up companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. Freelance proofreading jobs are bountiful, and many companies offer work-from-home opportunities as an additional benefit.
 
This online course will cover:
  • Exactly what proofreading and copyediting will entail.
  • The tools you need to be an efficient proofreader or copyeditor.
  • The basic skills you need to learn, taught to you in an easy-to-understand manner.
  • Step-by-step instruction on how to proofread or copyedit.
  • How to apply your newly learned skills. 
  • Tips to make you a professional proofreader or copyeditor with just a little practice.
  • How to proofread and copyedit different kinds of writing such as fiction, blogs and articles.
  • How to proofread and copyedit your own work.
  • How to secure employment as a proofreader or copyeditor.
  • How to start your own proofreading or copyediting business upon completion of the course.
  • Current salary information.
  • Practice exercises to implement your new skills.
This course is designed for everyone, regardless of education, experience, or background.  No matter who you are or what you want to achieve in life, gaining proofreading and copyediting skills will improve your written communications, help you think more clearly, and perhaps start you on the road to a brand new career.
 
Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Lesson 1: Elevate Your Professionalism: Proofreading and Copyediting Essentials

Proofreading is your final defense against errors before distribution; it ensures the correctness of your work, unlike copyediting's focus on clarity and consistency during the drafting stage. Both offer powerful tools for improving your written communication and professional image. 8 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2: Understanding Style Sheets for Effective Editing

Different style guides serve various fields such as the MLA for academia, APA for psychology, and AMA for medicine, ensuring clarity and precision in each discipline's publications. Meanwhile, style sheets tailor these broad guidelines to the individual needs and preferences of a specific project. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3: Decoding Style Guides: Finding Your Editorial Match

To navigate copyediting and proofreading effectively, selecting the proper style guide is crucial—options span fields from science to journalism, each with respective manuals. Online resources provide convenience but often direct users to thorough print editions for detailed guidance. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4: Creating and Utilizing Style Sheets

With style sheets, the balancing act between standardized language rules and an author’s personal flair becomes manageable, as they highlight where intentional deviations occur. Their primary function is to guide proofreaders and editors in maintaining the text's coherence and continuity. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5: Streamlining Edits: How Proofreaders' Marks Enhance Communication

Using marks for copyediting and proofreading ensures a clear conveyance of necessary changes between an editor and author, thus simplifying text modifications. Regardless of editing double-spaced drafts or final formatted documents, these marks streamline communication and sharpen editing precision. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: From Errors to Excellence: The Proofreader's Journey

While proofreading on a PC, using spell checkers and word processing software can aid, they can't replace human judgment and keen observation. MS Word’s features like 'track changes' and 'markup' can facilitate digital proofreading, but accuracy depends on the proofreader's diligence. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7: Mastering the Art of Proofreading: Techniques and Tips for Success

Effective proofreading demands personalized strategies to overcome subconscious tendencies to miss errors, with emphasis on reading aloud and attention to detail. Reducing distractions and practicing consistently can transform this skill into a reliable asset. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Review 5 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: Proofreading Practice Basics

Explore fundamental proofreading skills by marking errors in a simple text about our solar system, emphasizing practice without needing a style guide. Mastery comes from repeated exercises, leading to proficiency in error detection and correction. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Review 4 Practice Worksheets
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9: Copyeditor's Work: A Quick Overview

Heavy editing goes beyond medium editing by focusing on text flow and quality, suggesting significant content adjustments, and potentially enforcing the tone. It combines detailed error correction with substantial rewriting to refine the document’s message and readability. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10: Copyediting 101

Copyediting embodies clarity, brevity, and precision across diverse formats—from articles to headlines. Regularly refine your skills with continuous learning and deep dives into relevant literature. 10 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11: Becoming Proficient in Copyediting through Practice

The lesson emphasizes basic copyediting skills using a simple practice text about outer space, focusing on sharpening one's ability to identify and correct errors without a style guide. It highlights the foundational knowledge of our solar system, including an outdated list of nine planets and introduces the concept of other solar systems within the Milky Way galaxy discovered since the 1990s. 7 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12: Elevate Your Writing: Self-Editing Techniques

The practice of self-editing and proofreading can reveal repetitive errors and areas for writing growth, despite its inherent challenges. Leveraging techniques like reading backwards and coordinating with a writing partner can ensure a refined final product. 8 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13: Crafting Careers in Copyediting and Proofreading

Achieving success in copyediting and proofreading typically involves honing language skills and building a robust portfolio, potentially bypassing the need for a college degree. Freelancing offers a flexible way to start, with opportunities readily available through specialized online platforms. 6 Total Points
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: The Grand Finale: Complete Your Journey!

With the final exam, it's time to demonstrate all you've learned. May success be on your side as you tackle this last assessment! 48 Total Points
  • Assessment: Final Exam
162
Total Course Points